Chrysler 1997 Stratus Convertible RHD Service Manual page 833

RESONATOR HEAT SHIELD HEAT SHIELD FWD
JX
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
ing temperature increases in the area of the catalytic
convertor under severe operating conditions. Such
conditions can exist when the engine misfires or oth-
erwise does not operate at peak efficiency. Do not
remove spark plug wires from plugs or by any other
means short out cylinders if exhaust system is
equipped with catalytic converter. Failure of the cat-
alytic converter can occur due to temperature
increases caused by unburned fuel passing through
the converter.
The use of the catalysts also involves some non-au-
tomotive problems. Unleaded gasoline must be used
to avoid poisoning the catalyst core. Do not allow
engine to operate at fast idle for extended periods
(over 5 minutes). This condition may result in exces-
sive exhaust system and floor pan temperatures.
GROUND STRAP
All vehicles are equipped with a ground strap on
the exhaust system. The ground strap is attached
from the rear muffler bracket to the body (Fig. 9).
The ground strap is used to suppress radio frequency
interference/static.
EXHAUST FLEX-JOINT COUPLING
A exhaust flex-joint coupling (Fig. 5) is used to
secure the catalytic converter to the engine manifold.
This joint actually moves back and forth as the
EXHAUST SYSTEM AND INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 4 Heat Shield—JX
engine moves, preventing breakage that could occur
from the back-and-forth motion of a transverse
mounted engine.
The exhaust flex-joint is welded to the catalytic
converter.
CAUTION: When servicing, care must be exercised
not to dent or bend the bellows of the flex-joint.
Should this occur, the flex-joint will eventually fail
and require the catalytic converter be replaced.
FLANGE BELLOWS END CAPS
Fig. 5 Flex-Joint Coupling
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